Watchdog group says 'chemical' odor came from Chalmette refinery

An environmental watchdog group is sending out a rapid response team to investigate reports of a smell in a confirmed release of chemicals in St. Bernard Parish.

ExxonMobil’s Chalmette Refinery reported releasing 10 pounds of benzene and 100 pounds of hydrogen sulfide early on Wednesday, but the La. Bucket Brigade said it released "far more."

Wednesday, DEQ began investigating complaints of a "chemical" odor in the metro area.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade, a nonprofit environmental watchdog group, said the smell originated from the Exxon Chalmette Refinery and said that the Coast Guard confirmed it.

Chalmette Refinery worked with LDEQ and Coast Guard response teams Wednesday to survey and evaluate all potential sources of odors in the area, including at the refinery, the Coast Guard said in a statement released Thursday.

“We apologize to neighbors for any inconvenience this leak incident may have caused,” said Chalmette Refining, LLC, representative Janet Matsushita, manager. “The health and safety of neighbors, community, and employees are our top priority.”

The DEQ hasn't linked the smell to the Chalmette refinery. It is still investigating via air monitoring sites and field crews.

Anne Rolfes, founding director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, said the refinery has a bad habit of under-reporting and an "ongoing accident problem, especially during bad weather."

"There was a flash flood advisory and heavy rain during the night when the chemical smells began. Rain is a fact of life in south Louisiana. There is no excuse for Exxon’s ongoing failure to prepare," she said.

The Louisiana Bucket Brigade is calling on Exxon to publicly release its storm preparedness plan.

The Coast Guard said that anyone who have concerns are welcome to call Chalmette Refining, LLC, at 504-281-1212.

A claims hotline has also been set up at 866-752-6339.

A Unified Command has been established with the Coast Guard, LDEQ and Chalmette Refining to mitigate any possible environmental impact of this leak, the Coast Guard said.

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